The not so good things about computer games

Computer games

In the 'olden days', computer and video games were very simple. They didn't need a lot of thinking skills and the graphics were not very good. Kids played them for fun, but as they were so simple they soon became boring and kids went off to do something else.

Nowadays, computer and video games have great graphics - playing many of them is almost like being in a movie!

There are lots of good things about computer and video games.

	They are fun!
	They improve hand/eye coordination, which means you can think and do things more quickly and correctly.
	You feel good when you can move up the levels and see how well you are doing.
	Most games make you think about what you are going to do, and they help your problem-solving skills.
	Many games help you to remember things like, "last time I went this way and it didn't work out - this time I'll try that way."
	You can play games with a friend, talk about games with others, swap ideas and 'cheats' - it is a good way to be part of a group.
	You can play games on the internet sometimes with people from all over the world.
	Anyone can play computer games, even if they are not very good at sport, have a disability, or find it hard to talk to others.

There are lots of sites on the Internet where you can play games. Some are fairly easy and can help you learn, like the games on this site. Some are educational, and you can learn a lot when you use them. Some are about problem-solving in real life situations, and they can be really interesting and challenging.

The not so good things about computer games

Unfortunately, many computer and video games are very violent, and research shows that this violence can affect kids in many ways.

	Kids could get so used to violence that they could become violent in their own lives and think that it is OK to hurt others, or to talk to people, including parents and teachers, in an inappropriate way.
	When someone gets scared or excited, the body makes a chemical called adrenalin. This causes the body to be all ready to fight or to run away by making the heart beat faster, sending blood round to the muscles to make them ready to act quickly. It is not good for the body to be in this state for long periods of time, and the stress may cause health problems.
	Many games are about beating everyone else, not about working together or helping others, and some people are concerned that kids may keep these same values in their daily lives, eg. by being unhelpful, not wanting to share, not wanting to take turns and not doing all the other kind behaviours that make being a human so special.
	Playing games for a long time means that kids don't get out and exercise so much. Doctors are concerned about kids being overweight and unfit, and eating unhealthy snack foods while they play games.
	Game playing is like an addiction to some people. They play or think about playing games and how they can win for most of their time, which means that they don't learn well in school, don't socialise with others and can become really boring people to be around!

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14